West Ham United showed interest in Aleix Garcia earlier this summer, reportedly catching the eye of Julen Lopetegui from Girona.

However, mid-June brought news from Spain suggesting the Hammers withdrew from negotiations, seemingly showing little intent to pursue the player.

Garcia subsequently joined Bayer Leverkusen, the Bundesliga champions, and has since addressed the purported West Ham interest in an interview with Spanish media.

According to the 27-year-old midfielder, speaking to Jijantes, the Premier League outfit expressed strong interest, with manager Julen Lopetegui making sincere efforts to persuade him to join them in London.